Feeling unsteady on your feet? Experiencing the sensation that the room is spinning? You’re not alone. Dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders are common yet often misunderstood symptoms that can impact your ability to function normally in everyday life. While they’re often used interchangeably, they each describe different sensations and may point to distinct underlying health issues. At NeuroAudiology, we help patients unravel these symptoms and understand what’s going on inside their inner ear and brain. This article will help you understand the difference between dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, what may be causing them, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Understanding the Symptoms: Dizziness vs Vertigo vs Balance Disorders
Dizziness is a general term used to describe a range of sensations such as light-headedness, feeling faint, woozy, or unsteady. It’s often temporary and can be caused by a variety of non-serious factors like dehydration or standing up too quickly. Vertigo is more specific. It refers to the false sensation that you or your environment are spinning or moving, even when you’re completely still. It’s often linked to problems within the vestibular system of the inner ear. A balance disorder is a broader term that describes difficulty maintaining your equilibrium, especially when walking or standing. These may be chronic or episodic and are usually associated with issues in the inner ear, brain or sensory pathways.
The Inner Ear and Your Balance System
Your inner ear isn’t just responsible for hearing, it also plays a vital role in keeping you balanced. The vestibular system, which includes the semicircular canals and otolith organs in the inner ear, detects head movements and sends signals to your brain about your body’s position. If this system is disrupted, it can result in vertigo, imbalance, dizziness and even nausea. Because the auditory and vestibular systems are so closely linked, neuroaudiologists are uniquely qualified to assess and manage symptoms that affect both hearing and balance.
Common Causes of Dizziness and Balance Issues
There are numerous causes of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, and they can range from mild and temporary to serious medical concerns. One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition that occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and interfere with your balance sensors. Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which are infections or inflammations of the inner ear, can also trigger sudden episodes of vertigo. Meniere’s disease is another inner ear condition that causes vertigo, hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Other causes include migraines (especially vestibular migraine), low blood pressure, anxiety, medications, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency, which is a reduction of blood flow to the brainstem.
What Makes Vertigo Different from Light-Headedness?
People often describe feeling “dizzy,” but what they’re actually experiencing could be vertigo, imbalance or simple light-headedness. If you feel like you’re spinning or the world around you is moving, it’s likely vertigo. If you feel like you might faint or lose consciousness, it’s more likely to be light-headedness. If you’re swaying or feeling unsteady on your feet, that points to a balance issue. Understanding and articulating the exact nature of your symptoms is important as it helps healthcare professionals make an accurate diagnosis.
When Should You See a NeuroAudiologist?
You should consider seeing a neuroaudiologist if you experience any of the following:
- Frequent episodes of vertigo that affect your daily activities
- Dizziness that comes and goes with changes in head position
- Sudden or unexplained hearing loss along with balance issues
- Persistent unsteadiness or difficulty walking
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) along with dizziness
- Sensitivity to motion or feeling off-balance in crowded spaces
A neuroaudiologist specialises in disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems and can assess the neurological pathways involved in hearing and balance. If your dizziness is accompanied by auditory symptoms, they will conduct detailed testing to determine whether your inner ear and brain are communicating effectively.
What to Expect During a Vestibular Assessment
At NeuroAudiology, your vestibular assessment will begin with a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they began, how often they occur and what triggers them. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire or describe specific episodes. From there, a range of tests may be conducted including:
- Videonystagmography (VNG): This test tracks your eye movements in response to visual stimuli and positional changes, helping assess your vestibular function
- Head impulse test: Evaluates how your eyes react when your head is moved rapidly, which can reveal vestibular dysfunction
- Caloric testing: Uses warm and cool air or water to stimulate the inner ear and assess response
- Posturography: Measures your ability to maintain balance under different sensory conditions
- Audiometry and hearing tests: Since hearing loss and vestibular disorders often go hand in hand, hearing will also be assessed
These tests are non-invasive and are used to create a comprehensive picture of your vestibular and auditory health. Based on your results, the neuroaudiologist may refer you to other specialists such as neurologists or ENT surgeons if further investigation is needed.
Treatment Options for Dizziness and Balance Disorders
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. For BPPV, a series of head and body movements known as the Epley manoeuvre may be used to reposition the dislodged ear crystals. Vestibular neuritis may require medication and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Meniere’s disease may be managed through dietary changes, medication and in some cases surgery. If your dizziness is linked to anxiety or migraines, managing the underlying condition is key. In some cases, particularly where hearing is also affected, cochlear implants or hearing aids may play a role in restoring balance. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialised physiotherapy program designed to improve your balance and reduce dizziness-related symptoms through targeted exercises. This therapy is particularly effective in helping the brain adapt to changes in the inner ear’s function.
Can Dizziness Be a Sign of a More Serious Problem?
While many causes of dizziness are benign and treatable, it can occasionally be a sign of a serious neurological or vascular condition. Sudden dizziness accompanied by slurred speech, weakness on one side, double vision or severe headache may indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke and requires immediate medical attention. Persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored. It is always better to get assessed early, especially if your dizziness interferes with your daily life or safety.
How Hearing Loss and Balance Are Connected
Many people are surprised to learn that their hearing problems and balance issues may be linked. That’s because the cochlea (responsible for hearing) and the vestibular organs (responsible for balance) are both located in the inner ear and share the same nerve pathway to the brain. Damage or dysfunction in one area can often affect the other. Conditions like Meniere’s disease and labyrinthitis can cause both hearing loss and vertigo. A neuroaudiological assessment can help uncover whether these systems are being affected together and guide appropriate treatment.
Tips to Manage Dizziness at Home
If you’re dealing with occasional dizziness or balance issues, here are some practical tips that may help:
- Stand up slowly and avoid sudden head movements
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine which can worsen symptoms
- Make your home safer by installing grab bars, non-slip mats and night lights
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery during episodes
- Keep a symptom diary to identify potential triggers
While these strategies can help manage mild symptoms, they should never replace medical assessment if your dizziness is persistent, worsening or affecting your ability to function.
Why Choose NeuroAudiology for Balance and Hearing Assessments
At NeuroAudiology, we specialise in complex hearing and balance conditions that go beyond routine audiology. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. We understand that dizziness and imbalance can be frustrating and even frightening, and we’re committed to helping you get clear answers and effective treatment. Whether your symptoms are related to inner ear dysfunction, auditory nerve disorders or vascular insufficiency, we work with ENT specialists, neurologists and GPs to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible.
Final Thoughts
Dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders are more than just uncomfortable sensations. They can be signs of underlying issues that require medical attention, especially when paired with changes in hearing or vision. Recognising the differences between these symptoms and seeking early assessment from a neuroaudiologist can help you regain control of your balance and quality of life. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require further investigation, don’t wait. Contact the team at NeuroAudiology today and let us help you take the next step towards clarity and stability.
